Only the shotgun, split in two, remained; it could barely be used as proof for claiming the bounty.

As the Cat God's projection vanished, the once ambiguous darkness suddenly became visible. The array of chaotic traps and mechanisms that then emerged caused Huai Shi's expression to twitch. If one were not careful upon entering, they would likely not die but would certainly lose a layer of skin. Not to mention assassins like Bruce lurking nearby.

After dismantling the chaotic traps and picking up the shotgun from the ground, Huai Shi turned and looked towards the end of Long Street. "Sir, you've been watching for quite some time, haven't you? Would you care for a fight?"

In the darkness before dawn, a short figure stood at the end of the street. His eyes were cast downward. The hem of his Yingzhou robe was damp with dew, dripping onto his wooden clogs. The slightly aged man carried a Long Knife. He seemed short because his back was always hunched; if he could straighten up, he would undoubtedly have a rare, large frame. However, the Cane in his other hand made it clear: he was blind. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Huai Shi sensed no fearsome murderous intent or bloodlust from him; the blind swordsman seemed as unassuming as a piece of Iron Stone, tranquil and serene. He didn't look like the Murderer type. In fact, compared to Kusaki, he seemed more like a traditional Yingzhou Samurai, full of restraint and solemnity.

Even when provoked by Huai Shi's killing intent, he showed no displeasure. Instead, he remained resolute, nodded in apology, and said, "I was merely curious about the noise, with no intention of offense. Please excuse my intrusion, sir."

After retreating a few steps, he turned and left. They parted without incident.

Yet Huai Shi's palm was vaguely damp; during their brief confrontation, she felt a peculiar pressure. That sword-bearing blind man was a rare expert.

There weren't many people with such characteristics.

Huai Shi had once heard Luo Lao mention during a casual chat in the Orchard—a blind man, armed with a blade, who could exert such immense pressure on her, was likely the Zaotou Shi from the legends. Although she didn't know which generation he was.

Unfortunately, dawn was approaching fast, and there wasn't much time left. Besides, if the other party had no intention of fighting, Huai Shi felt it would be improper to press the issue.

If things went south, it would be utterly ridiculous.

Thus, carrying the shotgun, she returned to the ruins of the square and looked down at the two brothers leaning miserably against a broken flowerbed. She reached out and tossed the shotgun in her hand to them.

World Blood Night Worry Ghost was stunned for a long moment, unable to understand. "What are you trying to do?"

Explosive ZhuWei also grew angry. "If you're going to kill us, then kill us! Stop wasting your breath!"

"Consider it… a token of gratitude. Repairs will cost a pretty penny, won't they?"

Huai Shi glanced back at a crevice on the ground behind her. In it lay World Blood Night Worry Ghost's hockey stick, now bent, with a bullet… embedded in it.

Huai Shi had been ready to use Shadow Burial Shuttle, but she never expected that her opponent would be the one to block the bullet for her in the end.

"TCH! A man's duel should be fought openly and honorably!" Explosive ZhuWei snorted in displeasure. "Don't get the wrong idea. We just can't stand despicable cowards who resort to sneak attacks!"

Are these guys tsundere characters who've wandered onto the wrong set?

Huai Shi sighed.

The thrilling duel had been interrupted, which was genuinely displeasing and left her wanting more. The pressure these two brothers had exerted on her had been so exhilarating. Unfortunately, two sources of pressure sometimes can't be simply added together. In fact, they can even… interfere with each other.

Bruce's bullet had shattered their seamless teamwork!

It was like a third party rudely interrupting, exposing a fatal flaw in the brothers' otherwise perfect combination attack.

There would be no second chance to recreate it.

Although she felt these two guys had a few screws loose, they were surprisingly hard to dislike.

"The fight's over. Let's wrap it up." Huai Shi sheathed her Sword Blade, took a few steps, then suddenly turned back. "By the way, how long have you two been in Nara?"

"A week. Why?" Explosive ZhuWei's tone was still prickly, but he answered honestly.

"Uh, do you know anywhere nearby to get breakfast?" Miss Huaizhi scratched her head awkwardly and rubbed her hands together. "After fighting for so long, I've digested everything, so I'm a bit hungry. Plus, I rushed out in such a hurry this morning that I forgot to bring any money…"

"..."

World Blood Night Worry Ghost and Explosive ZhuWei were utterly speechless. They exchanged glances, then the elder brother, World Blood Night Worry Ghost, sighed in resignation. "I do know of a mobile oden stall nearby. If you don't mind…"

"Oh, that's perfect!"

Miss Huaizhi beamed. "Then I'll count on you for a treat!"

Is there anyone in the world who beats someone up and then expects them to buy them a meal?

The corner of Explosive ZhuWei's eye twitched uncontrollably. He was starting to feel that something was seriously off with this woman.

But looking at that sweet smile, his heart couldn't help but pound. Even though he was aware of the threat she posed, he still found himself captivated.

Women from the outside are too full of tricks!

Big brother, maybe we should just go back to Edo…

.

.

「Half an hour later, in the temporary Nara newsroom of Tomorrow News.」

A pale-faced woman lit a cigarette. Behind her glasses, dark circles from lack of sleep ringed her eyes like a panda's. She examined the string of battle reports on the big screen and couldn't help but sigh, her head aching.